Mobility

Japan\'s JCB pushes hands-free UWB bus fare payments for 2028 rollout

Japan\'s JCB, Resona Holdings and Odawara Device will introduce an ultra-wideband (UWB)-based payment service that lets bus passengers pay fares without taking out their smartphones. The three companies signed an MOU to jointly develop and test the service, targeting commercial rollout in 2028. Technology verification will begin in 2026, followed by limited commercial services on 일부 routes in 2027. The project also includes work to develop standards linking bus fare systems with UWB technology.

Industry

Bain Capital says Japanese chipmakers have reasons they cannot keep up with Samsung, SK hynix

Samsung Electronics and SK hynix are seen as maintaining a structural competitive edge over Japanese semiconductor companies even in the AI memory era, a Bain Capital executive said. Yuji Sugimoto (스기모토 유지), head of Bain Capital Japan, attributed their strength to chaebol-led top-down leadership and ownership structures that enable swift decisions on large-scale investment. He discussed Kioxia’s turnaround after Bain led a consortium buyout of Toshiba Memory.